Recreational fishing will open at 12:01 a.m., Thursday September 17 in the following main stem rivers and tributaries within Olympic National Park: Bogachiel, South Fork Calawah, Sol Duc, North Fork Sol Duc, Dickey, Queets, and Quinault Rivers. Additionally, Cedar, Goodman, Kalaloch, and Mosquito Creeks are open within the Pacific Coastal Area of the park. Coastal rivers and streams in the park were closed to fishing since August 10 to protect wild fish during the historic low water conditions. In the Queets River, wild Chinook and wild coho salmon must be released. Regulations allow for the daily retention of two hatchery salmon in that river. The change to release of wild coho salmon is designed to protect these fish as they are projected to return at numbers below the escapement level.The upper Hoh and South Fork Hoh Rivers and all tributaries in the park remain closed to fishing through October 31 to protect spring/summer Chinook salmon. “Our primary concern in the Hoh System has been fishing impacts on wild Chinook in light of the forecasted low return this year” said Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. Hoh River spring/summer Chinook have failed to meet the escapement floor in seven of the last eight years. This population is an integral component of the park ecosystem and represents an important core population along the Washington Coast.

OLYMPIA - Licensed anglers can now fish without daily catch or size limits on six Eastern Washington lakes scheduled for treatment to remove nuisance fish late next month.Effective immediately, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has suspended restrictions on the following lakes:

Upper and Lower Green Lakes and Rat Lake in Okanogan County.

No Name Lake in Pend Oreille County.

Badger and Williams lakes in Spokane County.

The no-limits fishing opportunity will run through Oct. 18 on the three lakes in Okanogan County, and through Oct. 25 on the other three lakes.Anglers will be prohibited from gathering fish from those waters during and after rehabilitations."There's no reason why anglers can't catch as many trout, perch and other gamefish as they can find before we treat the lakes," said Bruce Bolding, a WDFW fish biologist. "There are still some nice fish in those waters, along with the panfish and bullheads."All six lakes will close to fishing before state fish managers treat them with rotenone, an organic substance derived from plant roots that is approved for use as a fish pesticide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Additional information is available on WDFW's website at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/.

CLACKAMAS, Ore. – The Youngs River and its tributaries will close to retention of non-adipose fin-clipped fall Chinook effective Tuesday, Sept. 1. Biologists at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the closure in order to protect broodstock fish destined for the basin’s hatcheries.The areas covered by the closure include:

Youngs Bay/River from the commercial fishing deadline at Battle Creek Slough upstream to Young River Falls, and

Klaskanine River from its confluence with Youngs River upstream to the Youngs River Loop Bridge (Tidewater Bridge).

According to Chris Kern, ODFW fish division deputy administrator, very few Select Area Bright fall Chinook have returned to Youngs Bay and the Youngs River Basin so far this year. Biologists speculate the fish could be holding in the mainstem and not moving into Youngs Bay because of low river levels caused by a lack of rain.“Based on the poor returns so far this year, we are concerned about reaching hatchery broodstock needs,” he said.The agency also has curtailed commercial fishing in the Youngs Bay area in order to limit harvest of the select area bright fall Chinook.The retention closures of the recreational fall Chinook fisheries on the Youngs and Klaskanine rivers are in effect through Oct. 15.

Action: Closes current seasons for game fish, and upcoming salmon seasons in select areas of the Nooksack Basin.Species affected: All species.Location:

North Fork Nooksack from the mouth to Nooksack Falls

All tributaries draining into the North Fork Nooksack from the mouth to Nooksack Falls

The Middle Fork Nooksack from mouth to the City of Bellingham Diversion Dam

All tributaries draining into the Middle Fork Nooksack from the mouth to the Diversion Dam

The mainstem Nooksack from Slater Road to the forks.

Effective dates: Immediately until further notice.Previously announced restrictions and closures remain in effect on the following Nooksack Basin reaches and tributaries:

South Fork Nooksack from the mouth to Skookum Creek.

South Fork Nooksack from Wanlick Creek upstream, including Wanlick Creek and all tributaries.

Reasons for action: Nooksack spring chinook are experiencing high pre-spawn mortality rates and cannot enter the South Fork Nooksack due to extremely low flows and high water temperatures.Other information: Anglers are reminded that the South Fork Nooksack from Skookum Creek to Wanlick Creek is closed by permanent rules. Angling for salmon and gamefish will reopen as listed in the Sport Fishing Rules 2015/2016 pamphlet edition, FISHING IN WASHINGTON, in the above described reaches when the concern has passed, or when spring chinook spawning is completed.Information Contact: Brett Barkdull 360-466-4345 x 270barkdbcb@dfw.wa.govFishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphletfor details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Action: Closes current seasons for game fish to reduce drought related injury and/or mortality.Effective dates: Immediately until further notice.Species affected: All species.Location:

Sauk River from the Mouth of the Suiattle River to the Forks.

The North Fork Sauk from mouth to the North Fork Falls.

The South Fork from the mouth to Elliot Creek.

Reasons for action: Sauk spring chinook are extremely vulnerable to disturbance due to extreme low flows and high water temperatures.Other information: Reaches of the Sauk River were previously under "hoot owl" restrictions, limiting fishing to certain hours of the day. This action supersedes those rules. Anglers are also reminded that the South Fork Sauk above Elliot Creek is now closed by permanent rules. Angling for gamefish will reopen as listed in the Sport Fishing Rules 2015/2016 pamphlet edition, FISHING IN WASHINGTON, in the above described reaches when the concern has passed, or when spring chinook spawning is completed.Information contact: Brett Barkdull 360-466-4345 x 270barkdbcb@dfw.wa.govFishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery to closeAction: Lake Wenatchee closes for sockeye salmon fishing.Effective date/time: Aug. 16, 2015, one hour after official sunset.Species affected: Sockeye salmonLocation: Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.)Reason for action: Spring chinook listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and destined for the spawning grounds in the tributaries of the upper Wenatchee River are seeking refuge in the colder waters of Lake Wenatchee. While sufficient numbers of harvestable sockeye remain in the lake, the number of endangered spring chinook currently being incidentally caught and released is nearing the ESA take limit specific to the Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery.Information contact: Travis Maitland, (509) 665-3337, (Wenatchee District Office) (509) 662-0452, Jeff Korth (509) 754-4624.Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Action: Closes the Newaukum River and all tributariesEffective Dates: Aug. 11, 2015, until further noticeSpecies affected: All speciesLocation: Newaukum River (Lewis Co.) and all tributariesReason for action: Low waters are reducing the available holding habitat for spring chinook and concentrating them into fewer and smaller pools. This in turn makes them more vulnerable to fishing pressure. Increased water temperatures and higher potential encounter rates subject these fish to stress, injury, or death.Information Contact: Chad Herring, District Area Biologist Region 6, 360-249-1299.Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Fishing to close on Clearwaterand Salmon rivers and tributariesAction: Closes to all fishing the Clearwater River (Jefferson Co.) and its tributaries, and all tributaries to the Queets River, including the Salmon River outside Olympic National Park and the Quinault Indian Reservation.Effective date: Aug. 10, 2015, until further notice.Species affected: All species.Location: In west Jefferson County, the Clearwater River and its tributaries, and tributaries of the Queets River (Matheny Creek and the Salmon River outside Olympic National Park and the Quinault Reservation).Reason for action: Low water flows and higher-than-normal water temperatures this summer are creating conditions that can stress fish stocks by limiting their movements and making them more susceptible to diseases and fishing pressure. These areas are closing to fishing until river conditions improve.The Olympic National Park has also closed the Queets River and tributaries within the Park. These closures are needed to protect wild fish stocks.Information contact: Mike Gross, District 16 Fish Biologist, (360) 249-1210.Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Fishing to close on Black Riverin Grays Harbor, Thurston countiesAction: Closes Black River within Grays Harbor and Thurston counties.Effective Dates: Aug. 12, 2015 until further notice.Species affected: All species.Location: Black River from the mouth upstream to Black Lake.Reason for action: Low stream flows, increased water temperatures, and higher potential encounter rates subject these fish to stress, injury, or death.Information Contact: Chad Herring, Region 6 Area Biologist 360-249 -1299.Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

CLACKAMAS, Ore. – The Columbia River will close to sturgeon fishing upstream of Bonneville Dam until further notice under temporary rules adopted by the states of Oregon and Washington.The closure takes effect onSaturday, July 18and applies from Bonneville Dam to the Oregon/Washington border upstream of McNary Dam, including adjacent tributaries. All sturgeon angling, including catch-and-release, and retention is prohibited until further notice in this portion of the river.Fishery managers approved the closure after reviewing survey reports that showed increased sturgeon mortality as a result of the drought conditions in some of the mid-Columbia River reservoirs.“What we’re seeing right now is higher levels of summer mortality and indications that sturgeon are under a lot of stress this summer. This is something we can do immediately to give them some relief,” said Chris Kern, deputy administrator of ODFW’s fish division.The sturgeon fishing closure above Bonneville is the latest emergency action aimed at reducing stress on the region’s fish populations, which are experiencing unprecedented challenges due to high water temperatures and related factors.Earlier today, ODFW announced a series ofstatewide restrictionscurtailing fishing hours after2 p.m.on most of Oregon’s rivers to avoid additional stress on native fish already suffering from high water temperatures and low stream flows from this year’s drought. Included in this action was a total closure to all angling for trout, salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon in the lower Willamette River and lower Clackamas River from upstream to the I-205 Bridge. These closures also take effectSaturday, July 18.However, normal fishing hours remain in effect for the mainstem Columbia and Snake rivers.Fish biologists are appealing to anglers to adopt additional voluntary measures that will help reduce stress on the region’s fish. Suggestions include fishing early in the day, moving to higher elevation lakes and ponds, shifting their focus from trout to warmwater species, using barbless hooks, and notifying authorities if they see mortalities or fish trapped in pools.

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Drought prompts fishing moratorium for sturgeon on Columbia, Snake riversOLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will close sturgeon fishing on portions of the Columbia and Snake rivers under temporary rules to reduce stress on the fish caused by low, warm water conditions.The closure takes effectSaturday, July 18, and applies from Bonneville Dam upstream in the Columbia River, the lower Snake River, and adjacent tributaries. All sturgeon fishing, including catch-and-release, will be prohibited in those waters until further notice.In a meeting today, fishery managers from Washington and Oregon agreed to the sturgeon-fishing moratorium in shared waters of the Columbia River above Bonneville Dam.Guy Norman, WDFW southwest regional director, said department staff has observed more than 80 dead and dying sturgeon on the riverbanks upriver from Bonneville Dam in the past two weeks. Most were large fish, over five feet long, he said.“Sturgeon are clearly under a lot of stress due to current drought conditions right now,” Norman said. “We can’t improve the water conditions, but we can remove fishing pressure on these fish.”Water temperatures above Bonneville Dam have averaged 73 degrees over the past two weeks, compared to an average of 64 degrees during the same period over the past five years, Norman said. Current outflow at the dam is about half the average level, he said.The moratorium on sturgeon fishing is the latest emergency action aimed at reducing stress on the region’s fish populations, which are experiencing unprecedented challenges due to high water temperatures and related factors.In recent weeks, WDFW has curtailed fishing on a section of the Sol Duc River to protect returning chinook and closed fishing for spring chinook on the Grande Ronde River due to low river flows.“The drought is causing real problems for fish throughout the state,” said Craig Burley, WDFW fish program manager. “We expect to announce further restrictions on state fisheries within the next few days.”

OLYMPIA – State fishery managers are closing or restricting fishing on more than 30 rivers throughout Washington to help protect fish in areas where drought conditions have reduced flows and increased water temperatures. The closures and restrictions take effectSaturday(July 18) at12:01 a.m.The changes will remain in effect until further notice.Fishing will be closed in some waters, and limited in others each day to the hours betweenmidnight and 2 p.m.These “hoot-owl” restrictions will go into effect on rivers where fishery managers want to reduce stress on fish during the hottest time of day.High water temperatures can be deadly for fish, such as trout, while diminished stream flows can strand migrating salmon and steelhead, said Craig Burley, fish program manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).“With such extreme drought conditions in several areas of the state, we needed to take these steps to help protect vulnerable fish in waters where we have concerns,” Burley said. “We’ll continue monitoring stream conditions throughout Washington this summer and take additional actions if necessary.”For details on the closures and restrictions, check the emergency regulations, which will be postedtomorrowon WDFW’s webpage athttps://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/.Fishing closures and restrictions are listed by region below. Today’s action does not include any rivers in Region 6 (South Sound/Olympic Peninsula). However, earlier this summer, the department closed fishing on a section of the Sol Duc River to protect returning chinook during drought conditions.Region 1 – Eastern WashingtonClosed to fishing:

North Fork Touchet Riverabove Spangler Creek.

South Fork Touchet Riverfrom the mouth to Griffen Fork and above Griffen Fork.

Spokane River(Spokane/Lincoln Co.) from upstream boundary at Plese Flats Day Use Area to the Idaho State Boundary.

Spokane River tributaries, including Little Spokane River and tributaries(Spokane/Pend Oreille/Stevens Counties) from the State Route 25 Bridge upstream to Monroe Street Dam.

Colville River and all tributaries(Stevens Co.) from the mouth to the headwaters.

Sullivan Creek and all tributaries(Pend Oreille Co.) from the mouth to the headwaters.

Region 2 – North Central WashingtonClosed to fishing:

Wenatchee River(Chelan Co.) from the mouth to the Icicle River Road Bridge.

Icicle River(Chelan Co.) from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.

Lake Wenatchee(Chelan Co.)

Okanogan Riverfrom the Hwy 97 bridge upstream to Zosel Dam, except open to game fish fishing.

Similkameen Riverfrom the mouth upstream to Enloe Dam.

Region 3 – South Central WashingtonClosed to fishing:

Ahtanum Creek, including the north and middle forks

Little Naches River

Teanaway River, including west, middle and north forks

Hoot-owl restrictions:

Naches Riverfrom Tieton River to Bumping River/Little Naches River

Rattlesnake Creek

Region 4 – North Puget SoundClosed to fishing:

Raging River(King Co.) from the mouth upstream.

Skykomish River(Snohomish Co.) from the mouth upstream closed to all fishing, except the section around Reiter Ponds remains open from the Gold Bar/Big Eddy Access (Hwy. 2 Bridge) upstream to the confluence of the North and South forks.

Wallace River(Snohomish Co.). From the mouth upstream including all tributaries.

Stillaguamish River(Skagit/Snohomish Co.) From Marine Drive upstream including the North and South forks and all tributaries.

South Fork Nooksack(Whatcom Co.) From the mouth to Skookum Creek, and from Wanlick Creek to headwaters including Wanlick and all tributaries.

WDFW has also closed fishing for spring chinook on the Grande Ronde River in eastern Washington due to low river flows.For more information about drought’s impact on fish and wildlife, visit WDFW’s drought webpage athttp://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/drought/.

Due to concerns about the status, trends, and escapement of Hoh River Chinook salmon, Olympic National Park is closing the Hoh River watershed to recreational fishing effectivetomorrow. The fishing closure includes those portions of the upper Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, all tributaries, and the Hoh River mouth within Olympic National Park.The Hoh River mouth will be closed to recreational fishing from May 19 through August 31. The Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, and their tributaries will be closed fromMay 19 through October 31.This emergency closure is designed to maximize the protection of wild spring/summer Chinook salmon in Olympic National Park. The state and tribal forecast for spring/summer Chinook is expected to be below the escapement floor of 900 adults. Escapement refers to the number of Chinook that escape commercial and recreational fisheries and reach spawning grounds. Hoh River spring/summer Chinook have failed to meet the escapement floor in seven of the last eight years.Spawning for this unique wild population primarily occurs in Olympic National Park. “The National Park Service seeks to provide diverse recreational fishing opportunities while ensuring the preservation and restoration of native fish,” said Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum. “However, with the run size at low numbers it is critical to provide additional protection for Chinook.” While the Hoh River watershed is closed, anglers are encouraged to explore other areas in the park for fishing. Olympic National Park sport fishing regulations for 2015-2016 are now available on the park’s website athttp://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/fishing.htm, as well as at park visitor centers, fee booths, ranger stations, and area fishing stores.

Below Ice Harbor Dam: Effective immediately, Snake River from the South Bound Highway 12 Bridge near Pasco upstream about 7 miles to the fishing restriction boundary below Ice Harbor Dam;

Below Little Goose Dam:Effective 1 hour after official sunset onSaturday May 9, Snake River from Texas Rapids boat launch (south side of the river upstream of the mouth of Tucannon River) to the fishing restriction boundary below Little Goose Dam. This zone includes the rock and concrete area between the juvenile bypass return pipe and Little Goose Dam along the south shoreline of the facility (includes the walkway area locally known as "the wall" in front of the juvenile collection facility);

Snake River fishery zones to remain open:

Below Lower Granite Dam: Snake River from the south shore boat launch (Ilia Boat Launch) across to the mouth of Almota Creek upstream about four miles to the restricted fishing area below Lower Granite Dam.

Clarkston: Snake River from the downstream edge of the large power lines crossing the Snake River (just upstream from West Evans Road on the south shore) upstream about 3.5 miles to the Washington state line (from the east levee of the Greenbelt boat launch in Clarkston northwest across the Snake River to the WA / ID boundary waters marker on the Whitman County shore).

Dates: Zones remaining open are open three days per week until further notice.

Area C (below Lower Granite Dam)will be open onlySundaythroughTuesdayeach week until further notice.

Area D (near Clarkston)openThursday, May 7, and will be open onlyThursdaythroughSaturdayeach week until further notice.

Daily limits:6 hatchery chinook (adipose fin clipped), of which no more than one may be an adult chinook salmon. For all areas open for chinook salmon harvest, anglers must cease fishing when the hatchery adult limit has been retained for the day.Possession limits: During these fisheries, possession limits for spring chinook salmon will be increased to allow three daily limits in fresh form.Reason for action: Based on current harvest estimates, and anticipated harvest through Tuesday, May 5, an estimated 1,200 adult hatchery chinook are expected to have been harvested. Monday, May 4, the upriver spring chinook run was updated to 241,000 fish. In an effort to share fishing opportunity and harvest, the lower two fishery zones (where most harvest has occurred) will close and the upper two zones will remain open on a three day rotating basis until further notice. In an effort to promote this fishery as a destination fishing opportunity, this rule will allow anglers to possess a reasonable amount of fish during their stay.Other information: The minimum size of any retained chinook salmon is 12 inches. Jacks are less than 24 inches long. The adipose fin-clipped chinook salmon that can be retained must have a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. All chinook salmon with the adipose fin intact, and all bull trout and steelhead, must be immediately released unharmed. In addition: Anglers fishing for all species, in the areas open for chinook salmon, during the days of the week the salmon fishery is open in that area, must use barbless hooks. Only single point barbless hooks are allowed when fishing for sturgeon.A night closure is in effect for salmon and sturgeon. It shall be unlawful to use any hook larger than 5/8 inch (point of hook to shank) when fishing for all species except sturgeon. Anglers cannot remove any chinook salmon or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily bag limit. Anglers are reminded to refer to the 2014 / 2015 Fishing in Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other regulations, including safety closures, CLOSED WATERS, etc. Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check theWDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphletfor details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at(360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call(360)796-3215or toll free1-866-880-5431.

Action:Closes Lake Tapps to fishing.Effective Dates:March 10, 2015, until further notice.Species affected:All fishLocation: Lake Tapps (Pierce County)Reason for action:Water levels in the lake have been drawn down and fish are concentrated in small pools. Leaving the lake open would be detrimental to the fish communities in these small pools. The lake is being closed to prevent excessive harvest of the fish in the lake and to improve the quality of the fishery after the lake refills. The lake will re-open once lake levels are sufficient to sustain a fishery. Information contact:Tara Livingood, WDFW regional fish biologist,(360) 628-4223Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check theWDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphletfor details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at(360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call(360)796-3215or toll free1-866-880-5431.

OLYMPIA - The recreational fishery in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) will close to salmon fishing at the end of the dayFeb. 15.Fishery managers with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) made the decision after evaluating catch rates for the area, said Ron Warren, policy lead for WDFW's fish program."We're thrilled that anglers have done so well fishing in the San Juans over the last several weeks," Warren said. "This step, similar to the previous actions we've taken, is being done to protect wild chinook stocks."In January, WDFW reduced the catch limit in the San Juan Islands to one salmon per day, down from two, and later limited fishing to a schedule ofFriday,SaturdayandSundayeach week in an effort keep the fishery open as long as possible.Anyone still hoping to fish for chinook salmon in nearby waters can head to marine areas 6 (eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca), 8-1 (Deception Pass), 8-2 (Port Susan) and 9 (Admiralty Inlet), which are scheduled to remain open into April. Anglers should check for updates on WDFW's Fishing Hotline(360-902-2500) or the department's website athttp://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

OLYMPIA - Salmon fishing will close at the end of the day Friday off Westport and at the end of the day Sunday off Ilwaco, state fisheries managers announced today. Marine areas 3 (La Push) and 4 (Neah Bay) will close at the end of Sunday as scheduled. All ocean areas close to fishing at 11:59 p.m. the day of the scheduled closure.After an outstanding fishing season, anglers are expected to meet salmon catch quotas early in marine areas 1 (Ilwaco) and 2 (Westport), said Doug Milward, ocean salmon manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Those two areas initially were scheduled to close at the end of the day Sept. 30.As of Sept. 14, catch total for the coho fishery had reached 85 percent of the quota and 79 percent of the chinook guideline off Ilwaco. Anglers caught 90 percent of the coho quota and 80 percent of the chinook guideline off Westport through Sept. 14. Milward estimates the remaining fish left under the quota will be caught over the next several days.Anglers have a two-salmon daily catch limit in all four marine areas off the Washington coast. Up to two chinook may be retained in all four ocean areas. However, chinook must be released east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line in Marine Area 4. Anglers are allowed to keep both hatchery and wild coho in all four areas as part of their daily limit.A portion of Marine Area 3 will open again Sept. 27 through Oct. 12.Additional information on the ocean fishery, including minimum size limits and catch guidelines, is available in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/

Action: Closes salmon fishing in the Hoodsport Hatchery Zone, excluding the ADA-accessible fishing platform. Effective Date: Aug. 30, 2014, until further notice.Species affected: Salmon.Location: Hoodsport Hatchery Zone waters within a 2,000-foot arc seaward of the yellow marker buoys at the mouth of Finch Creek.Reason for action: Chinook broodstock collection efforts at the Hoodsport Hatchery are well behind the goal (~2,000). As of Aug. 26, only 36 adult chinook broodstock have been trapped at the hatchery. The closure of the salmon fishery contained within the Hoodsport Hatchery Zone will work in conjunction with a tribal fishery closure to fulfill broodstock collection requirements. The salmon fishery may re-open if broodstock collection efforts indicate the goal will be met.Other information: The Hoodsport ADA-accessible fishing platform remains open to anglers with disabilities following the same regulations for the Hoodsport Hatchery Zone regulations found in the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. Other waters in Marine Area 12 remain unaffected by this rule change. Information contact: Mark Downen, (360) 202-7005Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Action: Closes Klineline Pond to fishing by the public one day prior to the fishing event, as well as the two days of the event. The pond will reopen April 13, 2014.Effective dates:• April 10 – 12:01 a.m., entire pond closed to public fishing.• April 11 – Pond closed except to registered participants.• April 12 – Pond closed except to registered participants.• April 13 – Pond reopens to the public.Location: Klineline Pond is located at Salmon Creek Park, Vancouver, Wash.Reason for action: This rule change is necessary to assure a safe and successful Kids Fish-In event. The fish will be planted one day prior to the event to better acclimate them before the event. Several thousand fish will be placed into netted areas along the shoreline of the pond. On the days of the event, pre-registered kids will be allowed to fish within these netted areas. The pond will not open to the public until April 13. Anglers will not be able to fish until the day after the event on April 13.The reason for keeping the pond closed after the event is to ensure the safety of the public as well as participants while the event is shutting down and equipment and nets are being removed. There will be several hundred feet of nets that will be pulled from the shoreline area.Other Information: The event this year will bring in over 2,500 registered kids, as well as their families and friends.Information Contact: Jana Carder, (360) 906-6705. Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Two sections of the Okanogan River close for steelhead fishing March 7Action: Close two sections of the Okanogan River to fishing for steelhead.Species affected: SteelheadEffective Dates: One hour before official sunrise on March 7, 2014Locations:

Okanogan River: From the first power line crossing downstream of the Highway 155 Bridge in Omak (Coulee Dam Credit Union Building) to the mouth of Omak Creek.

Reason for action: Sections of the Okanogan River around the mouth of Omak and Tonasket Creeks will close early to protect natural origin steelhead staging prior to spawning within those tributaries.General rules in areas open to steelhead fishing;

Adipose present steelhead must be released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.

Night closure and selective gear rules remain in effect.

Whitefish anglers must follow selective gear rules in areas open to steelhead fishing. No bait is allowed.

Other information:All other areas currently open to steelhead fishing on the Columbia, Okanogan, Methow, Wenatchee, and Similkameen rivers remain open.Anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license. Check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or the webpage at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules_all_freshwater.jInformation contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager (Ephrata), (509) 754-4624, Travis Maitland, District 7 Fish Biologist (Wenatchee, Entiat), (509) 665-3337. Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Action: Reopens the Fortson Hole section of the North Fork Stillaguamish River to fishing.Effective dates: Jan. 24 through Jan. 31, 2014.Species affected: All species.Locations:

The North Fork Stillaguamish River reopens from the Swede Heaven Bridge downstream approximately 4 river miles to the French Creek confluence.

The Cascade River, a tributary of the Skagit River, remains closed from the Rockport-Cascade Road downstream to the mouth.

Reasons for action: Closures on both rivers were necessary to allow the Whitehorse and Marblemount hatcheries to collect sufficient winter steelhead broodstock to meet egg take needs. The Whitehorse Hatchery has now collected sufficient winter steelhead broodstock to reopen the North Fork Stillaguamish River.Other information: The Cascade River will remain closed until Feb. 1 , when it will be open to fishing through Feb. 15 under the rules described in the Fishing in Washington sport fishing pamphlet. Information Contact: Jennifer Whitney, Stillaguamish River 425-775-1311 ext. 107. Brett Barkdull, Skagit River 360-466-4345 ext. 270Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Action: Portions of the Cascade and Stillaguamish rivers will be closed to fishing.Effective dates: Jan. 6, through Jan. 31, 2014.Species affected: All species.Locations:

The Cascade River, a tributary of the Skagit River, from the Rockport-Cascade Road downstream to the mouth.

The North Fork Stillaguamish River, from the Swede Heaven Bridge downstream approximately 4 river miles to the French Creek confluence. This closure includes the Whitehorse Hatchery intake and Fortson Hole area of the North Fork Stillaguamish.

Reasons for action: The Marblemount and Whitehorse hatcheries have been unable to collect enough returning hatchery winter steelhead broodstock to meet egg take needs. Closing the fisheries is necessary to collect sufficient fish to meet egg take needs.Other information: On Feb. 1 the fisheries will re-open to fishing as listed in the 2013-14 sport fishing pamphlet or sooner if egg take goals at the hatcheries are met.Information Contact: Jennifer Whitney, Stillaguamish River 425-775-1311 ext. 107. Brett Barkdull, Skagit River 360-466-4345 ext. 270. Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

OLYMPIA - Steelhead fisheries will close one hour after sunset on Dec. 8 on the upper Columbia River from Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam and on the Wenatchee and Icicle rivers.Fishing for whitefish will also close on the Wenatchee River one hour after sunset on Dec. 8.The closures will not, however, affect steelhead and whitefish fishing seasons on the Okanogan River, Similkameen River, Methow River, and mainstem Columbia River from Wells Dam upstream to Chief Joseph Dam. Those fisheries will remain open until further notice under previously published rules.Jeff Korth, regional fish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), said the closures are necessary to keep impacts on wild steelhead within limits established under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA)."This year's run is smaller than in recent years and contains a relatively high proportion of wild steelhead," Korth said. "Because of that, we saw an increase in the rate of encounters with natural-origin fish in some fishing areas."Although anglers must release any wild, unmarked steelhead they intercept in area fisheries, some of those fish do not survive and are counted toward ESA impact limits.The federal permit authorizing the steelhead fisheries sets a maximum allowable mortality of natural-origin steelhead to accommodate variations in run strength and angling effort on specific waters. WDFW closely monitors the fisheries and enforces fishing rules to protect wild steelhead.The primary reason the upper Columbia steelhead fisheries are permitted is to remove excess hatchery fish from spawning grounds, said Korth, noting that those fisheries provide popular recreational fishing opportunities and economic benefits for rural communities throughout the region.WDFW fisheries managers are analyzing fishery impacts to date, and will produce a steelhead run update next month, Korth said. Some areas could be reopened at a later date for additional fishing opportunities, and anglers should keep a close eye on the WDFW website for these possibilities.Specific waters that will close to fishing for steelhead an hour after sunset Dec.8 include:

When these fisheries are open, anglers must retain any legal hatchery steelhead, which can be identified by a clipped adipose fin, they catch until they reach their daily limit of two fish. Once anglers have retained two fish, they must stop fishing for steelhead.Night closure and selective gear rules remain in effect for all areas where steelhead seasons remain open. However, bait is allowed on the mainstem Columbia River.All anglers must possess a valid Washington fishing license and a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement to participate in these fisheries. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons in the Columbia River system, including fishery enforcement and monitoring. The endorsement has generated more than $1 million per year to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River Basin.For more information, see the fishing rule change on WDFW's website at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=1381 .

Columbia River sturgeon fishery closes for retention in The Dalles PoolAction: Closes for retention of white sturgeon. Catch and release permitted.Location: Waters of the Columbia River and tributaries from The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day DamSpecies affected: White sturgeonEffective Dates: Nov.12 through Dec. 31, 2013Reason for action: The recreational harvest guideline (300 fish) for The Dalles Pool is expected to be reached by the closure date. Information contact:(360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010. Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

La Grande, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced a temporary rule closing Morgan Lake to fishing effective Nov. 1, 2013. An inadvertent omission in the 2013 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations has led several anglers to conclude Morgan Lake was to be open year-round under general regulations for the Northeast Zone.Traditionally Morgan Lake has been closed from Oct. 31 to the fourth Saturday in April each year.“It was not our intention to change the management of this lake so we have adopted the temporary rule to maintain the traditional fishing season,” said Tim Bailey, La Grande district fish biologist.The lake is owned and operated by the City of La Grande, which closes access to the lake when it’s not open for fishing. The winter access closure minimizes maintenance needs and vandalism of facilities at the lake.The temporary rule closes Morgan Lake to fishing from Nov. 1through Dec. 31, 2013. Under the 2014 Sport Fishing Regulations, the lake will re-open per tradition on April 26.

About the Salmon River Mountain Press

The Salmon River Mountain Press shares news from federal and state natural resource agencies, environmental, conservation and recreation groups in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The blog delivers the content one news story at a time.